For ages the citizens of Dubrovnik believed their fair city was founded in the 7th century by Dalmatian refugees escaping from a Serb attack. But recent archaeological findings suggest that perhaps it was started by Greek sailors, who used the ideally placed spot as a watering hole on their travels between Budva and KorΔula.
Whoever those early settlers were, they did a humdinger of a job. Dubrovnik is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen.
Originally known as Ragusa, Dubrovnik is perched on the brilliantly blue Adriatic. Thick stone walls encircle it, once providing protection from marauding Arabs, Venetians, Macedonians, and Serbs. Inside the walls are a dizzying array of opulent churches, stately homes, and narrow stone streets that branch off into dark passageways like a waterless Venice.
The settlement of Dubrovnik developed into a thriving Republic that rivaled mighty Venice for control of the Adriatic waterways and trade with the Near East. Through canny diplomacy and the vast wealth at its disposal, it became a powerful and influential society.
It established many institutions and laws that are remarkably modern in scope. Medical service was introduced in 1301 and the first pharmacy (still operating) was opened in 1317. It also provided a refuge for the elderly (1347), a quarantine hospital (1377) and an orphanage in (1432). Slave trading was abolished in 1418 and in 1436 a 20 kilometer water supply system was constructed.
Alas, in 1667 Dubrovnik was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake that killed over 5000 people and leveled every major building. Only the Sponza Palace and Rector’s Palace survived. It was the beginning of Dubrovnik’s decline.
In homage to this fascinating city, I made Croatian Chicken Moskva, a delectably creamy dish that reminds me of a chicken version of Beef Stroganoff. I browned the chicken then set it aside, added sliced green onions to the pan juices, then tomatoes, fresh thyme, parsley, salt and pepper. When everything is soft I stirred in sour cream mixed with flour and paprika. A few minutes of cooking turned it into a thick savory sauce to pour over the chicken. Mmm. Delectably comforting.
This is my contribution to Wanderfood Wednesday. Click here to view more recipes from around the world.
Croatian Chicken Moskva
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, thawed
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced (or half a can fire-roasted diced tomatoes)
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp paprika
Directions:
- Divide each breast in two. Fry in melted butter until nicely browned.
- Add chicken broth, cover and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Add green onion to pan juices and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add tomato and cook until mushy.
- Add parsley and thyme, salt and pepper, simmer 1-2 minutes.
- In small bowl mix sour cream, flour and paprika. Add to pan and stir to mix well. Cook 2-4 minutes or until thick.
- Place chicken on platter, spoon sauce over, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme and serve.
Never tire of ideas of how to cook chicken Krista, and this one looks so inviting. I love it! Love the pictures of the city as well… Gorgeous!
I’m so glad you like chicken too, Deeba. π I love the city pics too. I’m so amazed at the architecture and detail. π
oh my dubrovnik is gorgeous! how lucky for you to spend time there. i could get lost there happily! glad you had a good wkend!
ooo that really sounds lovely. Have to try it.
Isn’t it fabulous, Paradis!! I would love to go back and wander aimlessly too. π
It’s wonderfully creamy and savory, Duchess. π Those Croatians are good cooks! π
I’m so glad you put up this post. We were wondering if Dubrovnik is worth visiting and I guess I have the answer. Your cooking looks fabulous too!
No boring chicken here. Love the combination of flavors. Amazing photos. You truly have the best photos on your blog.
What a lovely post with lovely photos and lovely recipe!!
That dish looks so delicious. Whatever ingredients I am missing are being added to tomorrow’s shopping list. That just might be dinner tomorrow night!
Thank you! Glad you like it π Drawing pictures with lots of details is so much fun!
Your photos help me remember my day in Dubrovnik. I’m going to try the recipe- looks delicious.
Gosh, your photos of Dubrovnik are gorgeous. I want to go! π
I know everyone in my house will love this dish~tomatoes, cream-decadent!
Beautiful pics as always:)
Dubrovnik is well worth the visit, El! π Of all the places my friends and I visited on our grand tour of the Balkans, Dubrovnik was their favorite. π
It certainly isn’t boring, Lazaro! π Mmm, I’m craving it right now. π I’m so glad you like my photos. π
Thanks so much, Ellie! π I’m glad you like it. π
Oh that’s great, Jen! I hope you enjoy it! π
I sure did, Malin! You’re a fabulous artist. π
Oh that makes me happy, Debi! π
Thank you, Nicole! π Yes!! Go just as fast as you can. π
Oh good, Debi! π It’s definitely a creamy, comfort-food dish. π
Love, love, love your pictures!!
The recipe seems easy enough for me to attempt this dish. Looks so yummy!
Wow Krista, what incredible photos! I can’t wait to try out the recipe, it looks delicious! π
I have Croatia on my list of places to visit. I am told it’s beauty is unrivaled! Thanks also for sharing this chicken dish with us as well!! Hope you are feeling better:D
We did it! The recipe turned out just great…used chicken thighs and made extra sauce to use it at another meal. Yummy! Thanks for posting it! π
Those fresh herbs are so inviting!
The pictures of the Dubrovnik looks very beautiful – the antic architecture is just marvelous. I have never been there but these pictures make me want to pack my luggage and catch the first plane to Croatia.